You know what I’ve been thinking? When it comes to making a play in lacrosse, nearly every time, it starts with a face-off.

Jack Doherty of St. John’s Prep (14-2) is the ultimate weapon. He wins draws with skill, physicality, and timing. Better yet, he scores goals, too.

“Doherty is an outstanding competitor. He’s a great tactician and a great face-off guy. He’s an elite competitor. I think that’s what separates him,” said head coach John Pynchon. “I think it comes from a hockey background. He’s a two-time state champion.”

Let’s start with Monday, May 12. Despite an 11-10 overtime loss to La Salle Academy, Doherty scored a goal and won 12 face-offs.

Fast forward two days to a 12-4 handling of St. John’s Shrewsbury. He scored another goal, dished out an assist, and won 10-of-12 face-offs.

And in a rematch of the previous three Division 1 state championships, The Prep defeated BC High, 13-3, on Friday behind two goals and 14 face-off wins from Doherty.

After that game, Pynchon dished out a strong compliment to his face-off weapon.

“We’re going to look back and say, ‘Man, Jack was one of the toughest guys we’ve coached,’” Pynchon said.

Across the three games, make it two wins, four goals, an assist, and 36 face-off wins for Doherty.

Jack, good week.